
I always turn to these Beef Ham and Cheese Butter Biscuits when I want something super cozy that doesn’t take a ton of effort to throw together. They’ve got a fluffy inside, a toasty buttery crust, and every bite has yummy Beef ham and melty cheddar tucked in. They’re awesome as a morning bite, snack, or fun addition to brunch when everyone’s hungry.
Ever since I started bringing these out hot in the mornings during the holidays, everyone grabs seconds fast. They’re gone before I even get to pour my coffee.
Tasty Ingredients
- Salted butter: lays down a rich, crispy base for each biscuit—grab a good one for extra flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese: gives a bold, melty layer—block cheese shredded fresh will melt best and doesn’t clump
- Diced Beef ham: is what makes these super hearty, grab thick or deli slices for more bite
- Buttermilk: brings a creamy tang and soft inside—if you don’t have any, regular milk with a splash of lemon does the trick, but real buttermilk is king
- Baking powder: helps these puff up nicely—fresh powder gives the tallest rise
- Granulated sugar: adds a mellow sweetness that tones down the salty ham—fresh sugar mixes best without lumping
- All purpose flour: keeps things light and fluffy—unbleached is my go-to for a great crumb
Simple Step-by-Step
- Serve Warm:
- Scoop out your biscuits along the score marks, pour on a little extra melted butter or add a drizzle of honey, and enjoy while they’re steamy for the best flavor
- Test for Doneness:
- They’re finished once the tops are deeply golden, edges start to pull away from the pan, and a toothpick poked into the middle comes out without any sticky bits. Let ‘em hang out and cool for about five minutes so they cut clean.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Pop ‘em in for 25–30 minutes at 450°F. Rotate if your oven runs hot and cover loosely at the end if things are getting too brown on top.
- Score for Portions:
- Use a big knife to lightly mark out nine squares in the dough—it doesn’t have to be perfect. This just makes it easy to break apart when you’re ready to eat.
- Spread the Dough:
- Spoon your sticky dough over all that butter. Use greased hands or a spatula to smoosh it around till you reach every corner. No need for a smooth top—looks rustic and tastes great.
- Prepare the Butter Base:
- Melt your butter and pour it into the baking dish, swirling it around so every spot’s covered. Every piece will sop up that goodness.
- Fold in Ham and Cheese:
- Gently mix in the Beef ham bits and cheddar until it’s evenly packed. Just fold it a couple of times—overdoing it makes them tough.
- Combine with Buttermilk:
- Tip in your buttermilk and stir with your spatula just until it’s all pulled together and thick. Dry patches? Add another splash.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients:
- Dump your flour, sugar, and baking powder in a big bowl and give everything a good whisk. This mixes and fluffs everything for that tall rise.
- Preheat and Prep Pan:
- Kick your oven up to 450°F (230°C) and grease your square baking pan so nothing sticks.

Saving what’s left
Let them cool off first, then slip into a sealed container—they’ll be good on your counter for a couple of days
Want to stash them longer? Wrap each one by itself and pop in the freezer—just reheat from frozen at 350°F
For quick leftovers, toss a damp paper towel over one and microwave for about ten seconds to freshen up
Swap Ideas
If you’re out of Beef ham, go with turkey ham or smoky turkey slices—they work just fine
Mix cheddar and mozzarella together for a more mellow bite that stretches when melted
Dairy-free? Pick your favorite non-dairy milk and add a splash of vinegar as a buttermilk swap
Yummy Ways To Serve
Try with scrambled eggs and coffee for a cozy start to your day
Serve next to sharp mustard or a grainy dijon for a poppy snack
Cut in half and make slider sandwiches with even more ham and melty cheese on top
Biscuits, Then and Now
Butter biscuits started out as a Southern food hug but when you toss in ham and cheese, they turn into a full meal on the go. You’ll spot similar treats everywhere—like scones in England or diner-style drop biscuits in America. Every place gives these handheld bites their own special twist.

Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use regular ham instead of beef ham?
For sure! Any cooked ham is fine—just chop it up small so it mixes in easily.
- → Is there a buttermilk alternative?
No buttermilk? Stir a spoon of lemon juice into regular milk, give it a few minutes, and you’re good.
- → What cheese works best in this dish?
Mild or sharp cheddar is awesome, but you can toss in some Parmesan too if you want things extra rich.
- → Can these biscuits be made ahead?
Yup! Mix and wrap the dough and chill overnight. For the tastiest results, bake them fresh in the morning.
- → How do I achieve a crisp bottom crust?
Just melt some butter in your pan before adding the biscuit dough. That gives you a golden, crunchy base underneath!
- → Are these biscuits freezer friendly?
They freeze well once baked and cooled. When you’re ready, just warm them up in the oven so they're soft and buttery again.